Canadiens Name Oliver Kapanen as New Second Center Just Before Opener

New reports confirm that the Montreal Canadiens have officially named Oliver Kapanen as their second center, just 48 hours before the NHL season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 27, 2023. This unexpected move comes after a summer filled with speculation about who would fill this crucial role, leaving fans eager for clarity.

Kapanen, who has only 21 games of NHL experience, will be tasked with leading the second line alongside Ivan Demidov and Alex Newhook. This decision has raised eyebrows due to Kapanen’s limited track record and the Canadiens’ apparent lack of confidence in other candidates like Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine. The Canadiens are hoping Kapanen can facilitate Demidov’s development, but doubts linger about his readiness for such a pivotal role.

During the previous playoffs, Kapanen primarily played with the AHL’s Rocket, recording six points in eleven games. At 6’2″ and under 200 pounds, he has been described as a defensive liability, posting a minus-8 rating last season. His ability to win face-offs is also concerning, as he fails to hit the crucial 50% mark.

This decision reflects a broader concern for the Canadiens’ roster, as all current centers—Nick Suzuki, Kapanen, Dach, and Jake Evans—are right-handed. While Kapanen’s selection may have been seen as unconventional, Grant McCagg was the only analyst who predicted this move during the summer, leading to mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike.

As the Canadiens prepare for their season opener, questions remain: Will Kirby Dach regain his form? Will Zachary Bolduc be tested at center? And can General Manager Kent Hughes make a move to secure a more reliable second center? With the season starting imminently, the pressure is on Martin St-Louis and his coaching staff to make this lineup work.

With the Canadiens facing the Maple Leafs in just two days, fans are hopeful for a strong start to the season, but the uncertainty surrounding the second-line center position could set the tone for the entire year. Until then, all eyes will be on Kapanen as he steps into this critical role, hoping to prove the doubters wrong and help the team thrive.